What state permit must a locality VSMP be at least as stringent as?

A locality's Virginia Stormwater Management Program (VSMP) must adhere to standards that are at least as stringent as the construction general permit (GP). This permit establishes the baseline for managing stormwater associated with construction activities, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and regulations aimed at minimizing water pollution and protecting water quality.

The construction general permit outlines specific requirements related to erosion and sediment control, stormwater management practices, and monitoring obligations, which localities must incorporate into their own VSMP. By aligning their programs with this permit, localities can effectively address the impacts of construction activities on stormwater quality and comply with state environmental protection goals.

The other options do not represent the correct standard for a locality's VSMP. While the general construction permit and environmental protection permit are related to various aspects of environmental regulation, it is the construction GP that specifically addresses stormwater management in the context of construction sites, making it the appropriate reference for creating a locality's program. The land disturbance permit is typically tied to local land use regulations, rather than directly establishing stormwater management requirements relevant to construction activities.